Non-conductive balloons and methods of producing same

Abstract

The present invention relates to articles and methods for producing non-latex balloons with low surface electrical conductivities and an extended product life. In a preferred embodiment, a multilayer composite film having an exposed metallized layer is coated with an elastomeric sealant layer that increases electrical resistivity of the balloon product to greater than 1.08 Ohms/sq. The invention relates to articles and methods for producing needed bonds and seal strength required to manufacture non latex balloons. The balloons of this invention have an extended product life because they are more resistant to common defects like pin holing and stress cracks than conventional balloon systems.

1. A non-latex balloon product comprising, in combination:
 a. a core polyester layer having first and second sides; 
 b. an amorphous polyester layer adhered to the first side of the core polyester layer; 
 c. a metalized layer adhered to the second side of the core polyester layer where the metalized layer has an exposed side; and 
 d. a elastomeric sealant layer comprising a melt processable polyolefin overlaying the exposed side of the metalized layer, where the elastomeric sealant layer has bond strength to the metalized layer that is greater than 200 g/in, 
 wherein the balloon product has a surface electrical resistivity of greater than 1.0 8  Ohms/sq. 
 
     
     
       2. A non-latex balloon product comprising, in combination:
 a. a core polyester layer having first and second sides; 
 b. an amorphous polyester layer adhered to the first side of the core polyester layer; 
 c. a metalized layer overlaying on the amorphous polyester layer where the metalized layer has an exposed side; and 
 d. an elastomeric sealant layer comprising a melt processable polyolefin overlaying the exposed side of the metalized layer, where the elastomeric sealant layer has bond strength to the metalized layer that is greater than 200 g/in; 
 wherein the balloon product has a surface electrical resistivity of greater than 1.0 8  Ohms/sq. 
 
     
     
       3. The balloon product of  claims 1  or  2  wherein the layers have a measurable thickness and the elastomeric sealant layer is 5 to 75% of the thickness. 
     
     
       4. The balloon product of  claims 1  or  2  wherein the elastomeric sealant layer comprises linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). 
     
     
       5. The balloon product of  claims 1  or  2  further characterized in that it can be inflated to greater than one atmosphere of pressure with air or lighter than air gas. 
     
     
       6. The balloon product of  claims 1  or  2  wherein the elastomeric sealant layer has a thickness in the range from about 5 to about 50 microns. 
     
     
       7. The balloon product of  claims 1  or  2  wherein the elastomeric sealant layer has a seal strength to itself that is greater than 2000 g/in. 
     
     
       8. The balloon product of  claims 1  or  2  wherein the elastomeric sealant layer has a recovery of elongation preferably 40 to 100%. 
     
     
       9. The balloon product of  claim 2  characterized in that the core polyester layer comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET). 
     
     
       10. The balloon product of  claim 2  wherein the amorphous polyester layer and the metalized layer has a dry bonding strength greater than 300 g/in.